Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
The Riverside Inn serves a wide range of foods, sourced locally when possible, in a relaxed and picturesque environment. You can enjoy lunch seated outside by the river, or you can dine inside surrounded by beautiful oak beams, pine tables and a log fire.
Fun Days Out
Phil Price Rally School is a long established family run driving school, that extends a warm welcome to all its customers. They provide an ideal venue that allows you to put their fleet of RWD and 4WD Subaru Impreza's to the test, either on the test track or the main rally track. All the staff are highly trained and highly qualified to ensure you get the most from your driving abilities. Additionally they are very friendly, patient and encouraging in boosting your confidence and pushing you to your limits and will have you trying various different driving techniques during the day. Safety is paramount and you are provided with the appropriate equipment and given a full safety briefing before going out in the car. It is a thrilling and invigorating experience where you can really put the car through its paces if you dare. You get the maximum amount of driving during your day and it represents excellent value for money. Phil Price Rally School is a well organised and highly motivated towards providing the best service and customer satisfaction and all the staff are passionate about what they do and this enhances your overall time here. An electrifying jam packed day, highly recommended.
Llanidloes - 15.6 Miles (25 KM)
A great place to hike or bike, especially over the beautiful mountain road between Machynlleth and Llanidloes. It is also the perfect place to simply relax, stroll around and soak up some of the lovely Welsh scenery. The town is also known for its counterculture and liberal views and was awarded Fairtrade Town status in 2006.
Recently voted Herefordshire Family Attraction of the Year, the Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre is an enchanting mix of animals, birds and beautiful owls. Adults and children alike will be captivated by the antics of these tame animals and the friendliness of the owls which live in the aptly named Owl Garden. A perfect family day out!
Experience what life would have been like down a mine as you follow the 'Miners Trail'. The self guided path takes visitors on a tour through the old mine site, featuring fascinating exhibitions. Admire the water wheels, pan for silver-lead and iron pyrites, hear the 'captain's tale' and have fun discovering the history of the mine and the lives of the miners.
Enjoy a relaxing day out in the country. Travel by steam train through the beautiful Banwy Valley. Don't miss the very popular tearooms serving homemade cakes.
Beach
Devil's Bridge Falls - 20.2 Miles (32.3 KM)
Visit these world famous unique waterfalls which attract thousands upon thousands of visitors. One of these visitors was William Wordsworth who wrote 'Torrent at the Devils Bridge'.
Biking & Hiking
Every September, Llandrindod Wells hosts the annual Heart of Wales walking festival - with many guided walks to suit all levels of fitness and abilities. Even if you dont visit when the walking festival is on, you can still enjoy the views of the gentle rolling countryside to the moderately rugged hills of the heart of Wales.
Cycle, trek or horse ride through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, eight counties and two countries. Although 177 miles in its entirety, it is an easy route to pick and choose from depending on how energetic you are feeling!
Kerry Ridgeway - 20.4 Miles (32.6 KM)
A lovely route of about 15 miles encompassing some beautiful countryside and fascinating historical landmarks. The ridgeway follows a gentle trail which is perfect for cyclists, hikers and horse riders alike. Its line can be traced back as far as the Iron Age and along the route visitors can spot Bronze Age burials and remains.
Ticknock Mountain Bike Trails in the Dublin Mountains offer a series of single track roads and paths designed especially for mountain bikers. Explore beautiful scenery while enjoying the challenging trail designed to challenge and work experienced riders. The trail starts and ends at a car park and at 8kM in length takes approximately 45 to 90 minutes to complete.
This trail is a route through some of the prettiest villages and landscape in England. The circular route from Leominster passes through fabulous scenery before returning to the town.
Golf & Sports
Rhayader is a small market town in the heart of the 'Lakeland of Wales' on the banks of the River Wye which stretches 1 mile south and 4 miles north of the town. Brown trout and Grayling fishing available and salmon fishing is renowned on the River Wye.
A great leisure centre featuring a 20m swimming pool, fitness suite and squash courts. Whatever your age or fitness level there is something for you. Why not go for a relax in the jacuzzi or take a swim in the pool?
Builth Wells Sports Centre includes many sporting facilities such as a swimming pool, squash courts, sports hall, fitness suite and an all weather pitch. They also have several classes on offer from pilates to cardio kickboxing - something to suit all tastes and caters for the whole family.
The 16 acre lake at Llyngwyn is a popular fly-fishing destination. Rainbow and brown trout are found in the lake throughout the year. River fishing is available on the river Wye for elan, marteg, trout, grayling, and some coarse fish. Elan Valley contains 4 lakes which cover an area of 850 acres.
Whatever your experience or age, Underhill Riding Stables have horses or ponies to suit you. So you can enjoy the peace and beauty of the Mid Wales countryside on horseback.
Black Mountain Activities is a family run outdoor adventure specialists. They are located within some of the most stunning countryside there is within the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. This natural landscape provides an amazing adventure playground complete with gorges, rivers and mountains. They are able to offer a whole host of activities including gorge walking, white water rafting, mountain biking, land carting, hill walking, archery, paintballing, raft building, kayaking, open canoeing, clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing and abseiling, high level ropes course, orienteering and caving. The team are all professional and highly trained and safety is paramount here and the equipment is well looked after and in excellent condition. Before any activity you are given a full safety brief and they run through the equipment. They are open daily and throughout the year, and offer a choice of adventures from half day to five day courses. Whichever activity you choose you are assured a challenging and unforgettable time, you will more than likely have a few marks and bruises for all your efforts but, definitely worth it. There are activities to suit all ages and abilities so everyone can have a fun time. All of the team are great so friendly, informative and chatty they certainly enhance your time here. Black Mountain Activities are friendly and professional, offer a huge range of activities that are great value for money, an experience to be tried again and again!
Ustrike - 19.9 Miles (31.8 KM)
Freshen up your bowling skills and enjoy an evening at Ustrike - the only ten-pin bowling centre in Mid Wales! If you get a bit hungry or thirsty, a bar and dining area is also available.
Outdoor karting arena for visitors to drive their own fleet of powerful twin engine karts on an arrive and drive basis. Computerised lap timing can do bookings for 1?30 people. See if you can win the Grand Prix!
Based in the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park, Llanthony Riding and Trekking has a hack or trek suitable for all riders, even if you've never been on a horse before! Choose a quiet trek with a stop for lunch in a local pub or a hack through the hills, a great day out for everyone involved. Equipment is provided if required.
Nature Reserves
Nature Reserve with bird watching and well marked out nature trails you can walk round. A beautiful location at the heart of the Cambrian Mountains, with a whole host of differing habitats. There are also events that are set up at Gilfach Nature Reserve such as Badger Watching.
Gardens & Woodlands
Located near Rhayader, this picturesque Site of Special Scientific Interest is a fabulous location for a leisurely stroll, a mountain bike ride or a fishing trip. With stunning lakes, abundant wildlife and superb views it is a perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Hergest estate to which these gardens belong sits in the heart of the Welsh Marches. The 6 distinct areas within the gardens, each with a different look and feel extend to over 70 acres. After wandering the gardens, enjoy a scone in the tearooms and pay a visit to the gift shop.
Hafod Uchtryd is classified as probably one of the best examples of an 18th century picture perfect landscape, occupying 200 hectares of the Ystwyth valley and encircling hills it provides stunning views and scenery. There are six different trails on offer, they all vary in length but all will ensure you get the most of this stunning estate, from the magnificent views, cascading waterfalls, gorges, woodland, loads of local wildlife. There is lots of history to the area too and a guided walk will allow you to get the most from this area. Located amongst the estate are a number of structures of interest including an icehouse and obelisk. Hafod Uchtryd is a place of peace and tranquillity as well as stunning beauty. The perfect place for a leisurely walk amongst beautiful surroundings.
Local Attractions
An interesting craft centre, established in 1984 in an old GWR railway station. Set in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Wye, this craft centre is now an important local attraction with nearly 20,000 visitors a year. Admire the work of painters, potters, sculptors and photographers alike with new exhibitions that change on a monthly basis.
FreeRein Riding Holidays offers the opportunity to have the ideal riding holiday in the perfect location of the picturesque Welsh countryside. They cater to all level of rider whether you are a complete beginner, are a new or an experienced rider there is a trip to suit you. The horses and ponies are gorgeous, really healthy and with friendly temperaments. On arrival you are allocated a pony to suit you. The staff are brilliant so friendly, helpful, patient and encouraging and above all they are all highly trained, professional and knowledgeable. All equipment is provided so you don't need to take anything along with you, you will get all the maps and information that you will need and the support network is excellent. They offer a choice of holidays from learning to ride holidays as well as guided and self-guided riding holidays, that vary in time, from two to seven day treks. You take in some of the most stunning, dramatic and breathtaking landscapes as you canter through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The accommodations are wonderful, more than adequate and the food is very good. FreeRein Holidays are well organised and operated by a professional and experienced team that ensures a first class experience. The holidays are so good that once you have experienced one you will be wanting to return again, can't recommend enough.
High quality seasonal produce which has been reared and grown or made within the area of a 30 mile radius. Open to visit every second Saturday in a month. Refreshments and live music too.
Clara House & Spa in Clara, County Offaly is a great place to relax and treat yourself. Treatments include massages, facials, balneotherapy and peat therapy. Take advantage of the on-site accommodation to enjoy a truly relaxing weekend break, 2 bedroom apartments for 4-5 people are available with both catered and self-catered options.
Myddfai Community Hall and Visitor Centre has become an important addition to the community here in Myddfai, an area that is enveloped by the glorious scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The centre is newly constructed using the latest energy efficient tools and has become one of the nicest and best equipped venues in the area. The purpose of the centre was to serve as a focal point in the community and a place where locals could gather. Since its opening the centre has hosted many events and these are aimed at families and getting people together so keep an eye on the website for upcoming events. The centre is open daily and you will find a shop that sells a nice selection of locally produced and crafted foods, gifts, cards, books and artwork. Many of the items on sale are only found here and there is a nice range of quality and unique items as well as a delicious selection of chutneys, jams chocolates and much more. There is also a cafe that is warm and welcoming and on its walls are information boards detailing the history of Myddfai. They serve a good selection of beverages, snacks and light lunches as well as heavenly home-made cakes. The centre is run by volunteers who are really welcoming and friendly and happy to stop and have a chat. Myddfai is a superb community project that every village should have a great place to stop and meet with the locals and enjoy a coffee, do some shopping and learn about the local area.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Delve into the fascinating world of Rhayader Museum and Gallery, where various exhibitions document and explore local heritage. These exhibitions are constantly changing and offer great insights into numerous projects. The museum gallery focuses on the nature of culture, society and economics in the shaping of the local community.
A beautiful grade II listed property and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in Wales. The hall was originally built in 1834 by Thomas Wilson; however a huge expansion project led by the Philips family in 1869 doubled its size. Recently restored by the current owners, this magnificent house features some beautiful interiors and impressive collections. Take a stroll around 12 acres of gardens overlooking the ?Abbey of the Long Valley? which dates from the 12th century.
Discover a world of Victorian judges and criminals in this award winning, interactive museum. After undergoing heavy restoration, this fascinating attraction boasts original furnishings and interiors which allow visitors to be transported back in time to the 1870s. Explore the damp and dingy prison cells, the impressive apartments that once belonged to Victorian judges and witness the trial of William Morgan in the courtroom.
Bronllys Castle is a former Norman fortress that dates back to the thirteenth century and constitutes a round stone keep that is surrounded by a twelfth century motte. The tower is eighty foot tall and contains three floors, if you climb the steep steps you are awarded with superb views over the surrounding countryside. It sits in a prime location that overlooks the junction of two rivers, the Llynfi and Dulais, within a small wood. The purpose of the tower was to protect the main route into the Welsh territory. Bronllys Castle offers a lovely spot to enjoy some nice walks and a picnic on this quiet and tranquil site.
Brecon Cathedral has a long and varied history, today it stands as the Mother Church of a large Diocese and is a centre of welcome and worship for all. The Cathedral is quiet unassuming and small in relation to other Cathedrals but, what is unusual about this building is that it is positioned in a walled close. The remnants of the former monastic buildings serve as the administrative centre for the Diocese in addition to housing the Cathedral clergy and a Heritage Centre and Restaurant. The grounds that surround the Cathedral are lovely, so peaceful and quiet. Inside is lovely too, it is not very big but has some great features and architecture, unusual wooden vaulted ceilings, commemorative plaques, a stunning antique font, stained glass windows and more. Within the Cathedral is the regimental chapel worth a visit, it has connections with the Zulu War/ Rorkes Drift, it has a collection of interesting military and historic flags and a war memorial book. There are some descriptive guide sheets available that provide all the information on the Cathedral. What strikes you most about the Cathedral is the calmness and peacefulness of it here.
A wonderful, little museum. Established in 1928 by the Brecknock Society it is now run by Powys County Council. Set in a delightful historic building it offers a glimpse of the area over time.
The Silver Mountain Experience is a unique and interesting day out, located high in the Cambrian Mountains, the site consists of abandoned mine workings, mystical forests and plunging streams that will take you back through time. Not for the faint hearted is the Black Chasm, this is classified as 12A and will take you on a terrifying underground experience, as you travel through the dark and abandoned mine tunnels you never know who you will encounter, be prepared, not recommended for the faint hearted! For the younger adventurers there is the Dragons Tale, you will help to find Grotty, Silvers Mountain's resident and bashful dragon. Being one of Wales best maintained Silver-Lead Mines, there is lots of history and you can experience for a short time what it was like to be a miner in these mines in a bygone era, uncover interesting facts of mining life during the A Miner's Life tour, your guide will lead you through the passageways and impart the history of the mines. The whole area offers so much to explore for all ages, junior members of your family can take part in the Magic of Woo Hoo Wood, where they can construct dens amongst the trees, build dams in the stream or play in the water area. Other activities include gem and gold panning, interactive challenges, nature trails and quiz trail, there is so much to see and do here. Onsite is a cafe where you can relax and have some refreshments. As the terrain is uneven in many places, flip flops/sandals are not recommended and also the underground can be cold so warm clothing is also recommended. The staff are friendly and helpful and add to the overall experience. A great day out regardless of age that is reasonably priced.
Built on the former site of a motte and bailey castle in the early 13th century, this Norman castle is located on the Welsh border and commands spectacular views across Montgomery in Powys. Although now in ruins, the site is still worth a visit for the stunning setting and sense of history.
A ruined Welsh castle dating from the 13th century with spectacular views across the Severn Valley. Its complex evolution is a fascinating one; changing between Welsh and English hands, however ultimately it was to be left in a state of ruin by the late 14th century. Due to recent excavations the public can once again view what remains of this fascinating castle.
Dolaucothi Gold Mines are located in the heart of a 2,500 acre estate and positioned on a wooded hillside that oversees the stunning Cothi Valley. Mining here dates back more than 2000 years to the Romans and some of their methods are still evident. But it is the Roman, Victorian and 1930's and the harsh conditions that the miners endured that are focused on here. The mines here continued to be mined until 1938 when they eventually closed. The tour takes you into the actual working mines, and suitable foot wear is recommended owing to the uneven surface and steep slopes, and you must have a certain degree of mobility to be able to do the tour, children in push chairs can do the Victorian tour. You get to wear a miners lamp and when you enter these dark caverns, you will get to see first hand the dark, dank and cramped conditions the miners worked in, with so much effort for little reward, see and hear the mine in operation as well as seeing the actual mine machinery. There is the choice of a free guided tour which, you book on arrival or you can take a self-guided tour, there is the Roman tour and Victorian tour to choose from. The guides are friendly, engaging and very knowledgeable and impart the history in a lively and interesting way with lots of anecdotes You can try your own hand at panning for gold and see how successful you will be, or take one of the many walks around the area, that vary in length and difficulty. There is also an exhibition that you can look around. The mine is open is open from April through to October and there is a charge for entry. There is a nice little gift shop where you can buy some pretty Welsh gold jewellery and other souvenirs and gifts. The tea shop is pleasant and cosy and serves a nice selection of beverages and hot and cold food at reasonable prices. Dolaucothi Mines offers an intriguing insight into a working mine and will interest all ages, the tour is pitched to cater to everyone and with activity sheets and trails the children can get involved, highly recommended if you are in the area.
Tretower Castle and Court is a largely intact medieval manor house with a ruined castle attached, it has stood here in the gorgeous Cwmdu Valley for more than 900 years, and it has underwent numerous alterations over the years to adapt to the times and changes. It was originally owned by wealthy and prominent families the Picards and Vaughans and then became a working farm for a number of years. The manor house is set around a courtyard and outside there are grounds and beautiful gardens that are well tended and maintained. Today this historic manor house serves as a reminder of times gone past and represents what life would have been like in 1470, there is a suite of rooms where you can see the luxurious and sumptuous furnishings of this time and when there was a vast comparison in wealth and lifestyle between the rich and the poor. You will get a true representation of the way of life in this period from the intricate carved furniture in the great hall, through to the working kitchen that comes complete with pots and pans and you are free to touch and wander round at your own leisure. From Tretower you have the most amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The staff are really friendly and helpful and will answer your questions and show you around the main areas, if you want more information there is a guidebook for sale with all the information you need to know the the property, it is very interesting and informative. For the most part the castle is accessible by all although the cobbled entrance may not be suitable for all. The castle is open most days throughout the year although best to check the website for full details, there is a small entry charge to see the castle but it is reasonable. There is a small gift shop with some nice souvenirs, books, cards and gifts. Tretower Castle and Court is a lovely historic building that everyone will enjoy exploring, definitely worth a visit you will not be disappointed.
